'Tis the season to forgive

Torika Tokalau
Wednesday, March 05, 2014

THE Pacific Conference of Churches is suggesting that all Christian churches take time to go through the process of healing, of seeking forgiveness, of forgiving others during the Lenten season which begins today.

General secretary Reverend Francois Pihaatae said the Lenten season provides Christians with a perfect opportunity to reflect on their actions, put matters right and begin life anew.

"In the case of Fiji, as the nation prepares for a fresh start and elections in September, it is pertinent for all leaders — religious and secular — to recognise that much hurt has occurred throughout our history," Mr Pihaatae said.

"If we merely push ahead without addressing the hurt and division, these festering problems can come back to haunt us in future."

He suggested all Christian churches open this process to people of all faiths who call Fiji their home.

Mr Pihaatae said the late Methodist Church president, Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu, had proposed ritual washing of the feet in all divisions and churches as the beginning of the healing process.

"We must wash the feet of our friends — literally and figuratively — during Lent which begins today, on Ash Wednesday, difficult as the process may be."

He said reconciliation was a three-fold process — realisation that a wrong had been committed, expressing remorse and making right through appropriate actions.